Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas

Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas

The bombing and shelling of towns and cities is a key cause of death and destruction around the world. Explosive weapons inflict both direct and indirect harm on civilians. When weapons of this sort are used in populated areas, 9 out of 10 of those wounded and killed are civilians.

The indirect impact is often overlooked. But the destruction of water services, electricity networks, roads, schools and hospitals often have a long-lasting and profound effect on civilians.

Direct Harm

Facilities at Risk

In villages along the contact line in the east of Ukraine, shelling has directly hit medical facilities. Buildings have been damaged and windows have been shattered, whilst health workers have continued to provide care for their patients.

Patients at Risk

“We have a basement that we used as a bomb shelter. If possible we sent patients home. There they would also have shelters and we had no heating if it was cold.”Dr. Natalia Dolzhenko, head of the therapy department at Maryinka District Central Hospital in Krasnohorivka.

No Ambulance

In June 2015, explosive weapons destroyed the ambulance garage at the Krasnohorivka ambulance substation, leaving a burnt-out ambulance in the far right bay. Fire also damaged the adjacent neurology building which is part of Maryinka District Central Hospital.

Indirect Harm

In addition to direct harm from explosive weapons, medical personnel and patients are faced with the loss of critical services. Damage to infrastructure such as water systems, electricity, heating, communication services and roads further complicates healthcare provision.

No Communication

Damage to telephone lines and power plants has complicated access to medical services in the east of Ukraine. Without landlines and with 'jumping' mobile networks, it has been difficult to reach an ambulance - even when it has been be safe enough for ambulances to come at all.

Want to Know More?

In September 2016, researchers from Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic and PAX conducted field research in nine communities in government-controlled areas along the contact line in the east of Ukraine. They interviewed 55 people, including local residents, doctors, nurses, ambulance personnel, and government health officials. They applied for but did not receive permission to travel to non-government-controlled areas. Research suggests the effects of shelling are similar on both sides of the line.